The Betrayed Billionaire

Chapter 3

Lisa's POV

"Raise your glasses! To the Oakford Empire, untouchable and eternal!" Lisa’s voice rang out across the glittering ballroom. Crystal chandeliers threw glows of light across the polished marbled floor. Guests cheered, champagne glasses clinked, and Lisa smiled, radiant and proud.

Oscar’s arm looped around her waist, his smirk wide "See, Lisa? Everyone here is eating out of your hand. Ray has got nothing on you, his scandal is nothing but a distant memory."

Lisa tilted her chin up, letting the praise wash over her. "Exactly. He’s gone, Oscar. Gone and forgotten. I built this empire, and no one can touch me."

A soft hand on her elbow made her turn sideways. It was her mother. Elegant, sharp, and cruel just like her.

"You look beautiful my darling," her mother said, voice low and calculated. "And dangerous. That’s the way to win, Lisa. Never forget, power is everything. Never hesitate to crush anyone who stands in your way."

Lisa grinned from ear to ear "Mother, you understand me. You were right, Ray was weak. He’s gone. Tonight is ours."

Her mother’s lips curved into a small, approving, and satisfying smile. "Good. Keep your focus. That boy was nothing. Don’t waste a second thinking of him."

From behind them, Lisa’s brother, Daniel Oakford, stumbled into the room, clearly drunk. He waved a glass of champagne around and tried to make a speech. "Ladies and gents! Let’s toast to... uh... me? Wait... Lisa! Yeah, you too!" He giggled like a clown.

Laughter erupted, but it wasn’t flattering. Lisa’s mother’s gaze cut through him like a knife. "Daniel, please. If you want to embarrass yourself, do it somewhere private. This is your sister's day, don't ruin it"

Daniel laughed nervously, trying to recover. "I... I’m just having fun, no harm"

Lisa rolled her eyes so far back, they almost reached the back of her head. "Go sit down, you fool, before you ruin everything."

Oscar giggled, shaking his head, while her mother only smiled. She clearly enjoyed the spectacle, and Lisa felt a thrill. This was her family, ruthless, ambitious, and obsessed with power, just like her.

Suddenly, mid-toast, her secretary walked in, holding a tablet, her face looking all pale.

“Ms. Oakford... I’m sorry, but... the stock reports, Oakford shares..." She gulped. "They’re dropping. Investors are pulling out. Contracts are being canceled. Suppliers are refusing calls. The numbers... they’re catastrophic."

The music faded. Champagne flutes froze mid-air. Guests whispered, exchanging worried looks. Lisa felt her stomach twist, her grip tightening on her champagne flute.

"What... what do you mean?" Her voice trembled slightly, though she tried to keep it steady. "Explain yourself!" She yelled.

The secretary swallowed hard. "The shares... they’ve fallen by over thirty percent today. And the rumors... the competitors are moving fast. If this continues..."

Lisa’s heart pounded. Her chest felt tight, like the walls of the ballroom were closing in. Panic threatened to rise, but she clenched her teeth. She could not show weakness, not now, not here, in front of her guests.

"Everyone, calm down" she called, her voice louder than she felt. She forced a smile, though her hands shook. "This... this is temporary. It’s just noise. Oakford Empire is stronger than rumors. Stronger than numbers."

Oscar leaned close, his phone in his hand, with pictures of a news headline, whispering, "Lisa... this is bad. Really bad."

She shot him with a sharp look filled with scorn. "Do not talk to me like that" she snapped, her voice slicing through the murmurs. "I am in charge. I will fix this. Do you hear me? Everyone here will follow my lead or get out of my way!"

Her mother stepped forward, her eyes glittering. "Control the room, Lisa. Show them strength. Make them believe Oakford is untouchable and this is just rivals doing what they do best"

Lisa swallowed, nodding quickly, forcing calm over the unease in her chest. She moved to the center, raising her glass again, attempting to exude confidence even as her mind raced, calculating every move she could make to contain the collapse.

Daniel lingered awkwardly in the corner, unsure what to do, but he no longer mattered. Lisa’s focus was razor-sharp. Oakford had to survive, and she had to appear untouchable, even if inside she was shaking.

The room fell silent as Lisa addressed the crowd. "Oakford Empire will not fall. Not today. Not ever. If anyone doubts that, look around and see who really holds the power here."

A few claps came from the guests, others were hesitant, but Lisa held her gaze steady, forcing the room to believe in her control. But inside, panic still brewed. She would need every ounce of cunning to survive this and to prove everyone wrong.

*****

Night fell quickly, and the guests had left. Lisa sat in her office, sipping whiskey, thinking about the empire.

Her mind drifted to what Ray said.

"Could it be him?" She took a sip and scoffed. "No, he's too powerless to pull this..."

Her phone buzzed. It was her mother.

"Yes, Mother?" Lisa answered.

“You'll brush this just like always. Focus on the empire. Crush anyone who doubts you. That’s how we’ve always survived," her mother said, voice smooth and cruel.

Lisa’s lips curved into a smirk. "I know, Mother. Don’t worry. I’m in control."

Just before she could drop the phone, Daniel stumbled in, drunk, mocking her. “You think you’re so smart, Lisa, huh? Empire this, empire that. Maybe you’ll crash it all by yourself and maybe that day is kick-started today"

Lisa slammed her hand down. "Get out! Now! You’re an idiot!"

Daniel laughed as he left, but Lisa felt a chill down her spine, a chill of unease.

She muttered to herself, voice low.

"This is nothing"

Just then, a shadow shifted in the corner of the room. Lisa’s heart froze.

She spun around, every muscle taut with fear.

"Did you miss me?"

"Did you really believe I was gone for good?"